Navigating Challenges Associated with Biosimilars Across Various Disease States

EP: 1.Utilizing Recently Approved Biosimilars in Clinical Practice

EP: 2.Transitioning to Biosimilars: Considerations for Providers and Payers

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EP: 3.Navigating Challenges Associated with Biosimilars Across Various Disease States

EP: 4.Provider Acceptance Driving Confidence in Biosimilar Therapy

EP: 5.Decision-Making Process Surrounding Biosimilar Implementation

EP: 6.Biosimilar Administration Considerations Impacting Patient Experience

EP: 7.Initiating Biosimilar Treatment in Patients Without Previous Reference Biologic Experience

EP: 8.Switching Patients from Reference Product to Biosimilar

EP: 9.Defining Interchangeability and Switching in Biologics

EP: 10.Evolution of Auto-Substitution in Biosimilar Landscape

EP: 11.An Overview of Biosimilar Extrapolation During FDA Approval

EP: 12.Harnessing Indication-Specific Data on Biosimilars

EP: 13.Cost Savings Related to Biosimilars

EP: 14.Payers and PBMs Impacted by Biosimilar Integration

EP: 15.Payer Support Driving Lowering of Biosimilar-Related Health Care Costs

EP: 16.Patient Conversations: Managing Patient Expectations Regarding Biosimilars

EP: 17.Key Points of Emphasis Regarding Biosimilar Integration

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD; Bincy Abraham, MD, MS; Jamie T. Brogan, APRN; and Vibeke Strand, MD.

Haumschild asked the panel about challenges providers are facing related to biosimilars for inflammatory diseases.

Gottlieb noted Medicare patients struggle most with drug costs, and substantially lower biosimilar pricing could greatly improve access for this population. With adalimumab (Humira) costing only about $5000 annually in Europe, almost no Medicare patients can currently afford a biologic in the U.S., he said. It is unclear if prices will decrease enough to really expand access.

Abraham said experience with infliximab (Remicade) biosimilars reduced potential challenges with adalimumab biosimilars in gastroenterology. However, with many adalimumab options arriving, differences between products in formulation, concentrations, and dosages must be considered to avoid confusion or lapses in treatment if patients are switched.

Strand noted uncertainty around which biosimilars payers will cover and how that will impact access. Formulation differences like citrate-free options can affect tolerability with weekly dosing. Medicare patients still have coinsurance and coverage gaps, creating financial toxicity that impacts adherence. Understanding overall cost impact for patients is difficult.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC editorial staff.